Title
Informational - Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Receive information and discuss opportunities for support and collaboration.
Staff Contact:
Marygrace Goddu, Historic Preservation Officer, 360.480.0923]
Presenter(s):
Greg Griffith, Chair, Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum Board of Directors
Background and Analysis:
Two longstanding Olympia heritage organizations joined forces in 2013 to create the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum <https://olympiahistory.org/>. Together they are dedicated to exploring, preserving and promoting Olympia’s history. Operating as a non-profit membership-based organization, they offer programs and events to educate and entertain the public about local history topics and places of interest and promote increased knowledge and advocacy for historic preservation. They offer an online newsletter, frequent bulletins, Facebook postings, and extensive website to foster engagement, as well as information and tools for further research and activity.
The Society and Museum also owns and operates The Bigelow House Museum <https://olympiahistory.org/bigelow-house-museum-2/>, the oldest residence in Olympia and one of the earliest still standing in the Pacific Northwest.
The organization is an essential partner in preserving local history and making research tools and assistance available to the public. The Heritage Commission has successfully partnered with OHS/BHM on occasion to provide programming and event promotion.
Recently, OHS/BHM initiated a discussion about increasing collaborative efforts for more robust heritage, history and cultural programming in Olympia. Greg joins the Commission meeting to talk more on this topic and gather support and ideas from commissioners.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Of general community interest.
Attachments:
None